HONG KONG – Germany-based GLP has set up a new subsidiary based here called GLP German Light Products Asia Ltd. GLP has also named Michael Münz general manager of the new location, which follows the company's expansion in Europe and the U.S. "As the brand was becoming more internationally recognized, this development was an obvious consequence," said Münz. "Hong Kong is the perfect hub to reach out to the Asian markets," he added.
Situated on Hong Kong Island, next to the central business district, the main focus will be on pan-Asian sales and support – not only for the growing roster of GLP LED moving head and control products, but also for G-LEC visual technology.
Explaining the rationale, Münz added, "Faced with growing sales spread throughout Asia, it became increasingly important to keep a closer eye on this market. It is very important for our distributors to have a contact in the same time zone, and equally it is important for us to get a more direct line of communication as to their requirements."
While GLP will sell directly in some territories and set up representation in others, the company also promised existing distributors a new level of support.
"Of course we want to achieve growing sales in this region, but one of the first priorities will be to establish the GLP and G-LEC brand names here, where it is less well-known than in Europe and the U.S.," said GLP director, Kasper Gissel. "We know that being close to customers, lighting designers and project offices is a must for us."
GLP's new operation will cover territories east of India and as far south as Australasia.
Münz, 30, first got involved with lighting as an undergraduate. He started with a six-month internship with GLP in China in 2002, returned for another internship in 2004, and joined the company full time in 2006, taking up the role of manufacturing manager in China.
"This latest challenge is one that I am relishing," Münz said. "It is a great opportunity to promote GLP's brand values in emerging markets."
For more information, please visit www.glp.de.
